CONFIRMATION RETREAT
Join us January 27-29, 2012 for the Confirmation Retreat!
Click Here for more Info.
CIT (Counselor in Training) - Current 5th graders ready to serve the children in VBS have an incredible opportunity to model Christ’s love and service during morning VBS. Students in CIT will need to attend a mandatory training session either Sunday, May 15 at 12PM or Friday, June 10 at 4PM. Meetings will be held in Horton Hall.
VBS Volunteer- Students grades 6-12 are invited to apply to serve within the children’s VBS morning or evening program. There are a variety of opportunities such as crew leaders and assistant crew leaders, station leaders/helpers, meal preparation, skits, music, and many other opportunities. Volunteers will need to attend a mandatory training session either Sunday, June 5 at 12PM or Friday, June 10 at 5pm. Meetings will be held in Horton Hall.
VBS is a great week for children at NPC. The service of our students, grades 5-12 is a vital part of VBS's success. There are some great opportunities for students to serve during the week of June 19-23 in the morning or evening. If you would like to be considered for one of the great volunteer positions you must fill out the VBS Student Volunteer Application. Completed applications are due to the Student Ministries office by May 2. The application must be completed BY THE STUDENT ONLY and signed a parent and student applicant. Applications will only be online - please let Kara Thompson know if you do not have access to the Internet. If you have any questions regarding the application or commitment, please contact Pastor Stuart.
VBS DATES:
Evening VBS: June 19 - 23, 2011 5pm-8pm
Morning VBS: June 20- 24, 2011 9am-12pm
Abby Young
Abby is so happy to be here! She grew up in New Jersey, and first decided to take her faith seriously on a mission trip to California when she was 15. After finishing high school, she went on to study at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, and it was there that she felt God calling her into youth ministry. She graduated in May of 2008 with a BA in Youth Ministry and started working at NPC only 3 weeks later!
When she's not in the office or hanging out with kids, Abby is usually outdoors (playing ultimate Frisbee or some other sport), watching movies, reading a good book, or cooking. Abby also has a passion for mission work, especially in Haiti, which she has had the privilege to visit twice during college. She can't wait to go back, and loves to talk about it!
Ben Valentine
Ben joined the NPC team in February 2011. Ben was born in Buffalo, NY, and grew up in New York state and Connecticut before moving to southern France for six years while his father served at an international church. Upon return to the U.S., he attended Houghton College in Houghton, NY on an Army ROTC scholarship. He then completed a M.A. in Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA . Ben has served with congregations in New York and California, and loves working with students and their families. He also serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Chaplain, where he ministers with soldiers and their families.
Ben loves Jesus. He has a passion for living and sharing the Gospel in word and deed, and is dedicated to seeing God's redemptive love work in broken lives and broken systems. He believes that local church communities like NPC can have a deep impact on the world around us.
Ben is married to the lovely Anne Valentine, has been blessed with loving parents, and three incredible siblings, Chelsea, Will, and Banks.
Noroton Presbyterian Church
NPC is a body of followers of Jesus Christ in Darien, CT. We meet at 2011 Boston Post Road, and have been a congregation since 1863. We've seen many changes since then. As a church family we offer many opportunities to connect, learn, and grow along with our community.
Student Ministries Core Values
Bible Based - We grow in the Word of God and learn how to apply it to our lives.
Christ Centered - By sharing God's love through His son, Jesus Christ, we will always seek to acknowledge Jesus as the One who saves us in our lost state and guides us to God's purpose in our life's adventures.
Holy Spirit Lead - We trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in love, grace, joy and the acceptance of others all to the glory of God.
As A Community We:
Welcome - As we embrace each student's uniqueness, we foster a community that gathers together and celebrates God.
Serve - As we reflect God's love, we focus beyond ourselves, willing to step out of our comfort zone to make the lives of others better.
Share - As we express our love of God, we will live our faith in a way that draws others to Jesus.
The Student Ministry of NPC seeks, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to introduce students to Jesus Christ. We provide a safe place for them to feel the love and forgiveness of Jesus, encouraging students to make a personal commitment to follow Christ. We explore the Bible and provide opportunities to understand and apply its message. As a result, students discern their spiritual gifts, reach out with compassion to serve people in need, and share their own story. Through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the life of the student and those around them will be transformed in God's love.
Release forms are required for all students participating in any Student Ministry event that leaves the NPC property. Forms need to be signed by a parent or guardian of the minor attending the event. Forms can be found here.
General Release
The general release form is needed for all overnight trips and events not on NPC property.
Overnight_Event_Rules.pdf
NPCDrivingPolicy.pdf
How About Email?
High School Ministries
There are many programs, events, trips, and activites available to all high school students. It doesn't matter what H.S. you go to, or what you believe. You are welcome here! Take a look around to see what we've got going on...
Ignite
Ignite is a gathering for all high school age students. We meet on Sunday nights in the SHAC from 6:30-8:00pm. Also, be sure to join us prior to Ignite for the Open Doors service from 5-6pm in Horton Hall, which is followed by a meal.
We cant wait for the exciting ways God will be working through Ignite. We invite you to join us and bring your friends!
Mission Opportunities
In addition to all the fun activities we do here at NPC, we think it's important to share the love of God with people in other communities in Connecticut, around the country, and even internationally. We offer a variety of different ways that students can get involved both during the school year and throughout the summer months.
Check back here to find out what opportunities we have this year.
Middle School Ministries
Want to know all about Harbor and all things Middle School?
You've come to the right place!
Take a look around and see what we have going on...
HARBOR for 7th and 8th Graders
Every Wednesday from 7PM-8:30PM in the Shac, we have big group games, music, and maybe even some gross messiness. Stuart, Ben or Abby will also share with you about how much God loves you and wants you to know you're His precious child. So check it out. This is what you'll be able to rave about to your friends!
Harbor for 6th Graders
6th graders have their very own night at the SHAC!
We will meet every other Tuesday 7PM-8:30PM after that for some awesome activities. There will be big group games (crazy messy ones included), music and some time when Stuart or Abby will share with you about God and how much He loves you!
So come by and hang out! Don't forget to bring your friends!
College Ministries
This is the place to find out what's going on for college students in Darien...
Check back here for info!
Join us January 27-29, 2012 for the Confirmation Retreat! Our time in class is good, but we often lack the time and opportunity to reflect an share what we have been learning. Dont worry the retreat isnt all Bible study and worship, there will be tons of time for games and hanging out with your friends. The retreat is a great time to discuss questions you have about your faith, have some fun, and get to know your fellow confirmation students. We will leave on Friday, January 27 at 4:00 and return Sunday, January 29 at noon. We will be staying at Incarnation Conference Center in Ivoryton, CT. The cost for the weekend is $150. You can sign-up by clicking here and paying online or by dropping off a check to the church.
NPC Student Ministries
GET-TO-KNOW YOU
Confirmation Class
of 2012 Form
WHO DO WE LIKE?
Take a look here to find out about organizations we like or support!
Real World Parents
http://www.realworldparents.com
Navigators
www.navigators.org
YoungLife and WyldLife
YoungLife and WyldLife - Darien
www.darien.younglife.org
YoungLife and WyldLife - National
www.younglife.org
March trip on AA Airlines: $370.40
April trip on AA Airlines: $469.40
To guarantee the price for the airfare you must register by January 9, 2012 for the March trip and February 2 for the April trip.
March Trip:
3/19 Departing NYC LaGuardia 11:10 am
Arriving Dallas Fort Worth 2:25 pm
AA Flight 739
Departing Dallas Fort Worth 3:40 pm
Arriving Birmingham, AL 5:10 pm
3/24 Departing Birmingham, AL 10:55 am
Arriving Dallas Fort Worth 1:00 pm
AA Flight 1156
Departing Dallas Fort Worth 2:00 pm
Arriving La Guardia 6:20 pm
AA Flight 732
April Trip:
4/15 Departing La Guardia 11:10 am
Arriving in Dallas Fort Worth 2:10 pm
Departing Dallas Fort Worth 3:10 pm
Arriving Birmingham, AL 4:50 pm
AA Flight 1218
4/20 Departing Birmingham, AL 11:30 am
Arriving Dallas Fort Worth 1:30 pm
AA Flight 1685
Departing Dallas Fort Worth 2:55 pm
Arriving La Guardia 7:30 pm
AA Flight 736
Who? Anyone who is in third grade or older, including adults! If you are in 3-5th grade you need at least one parent to come with you.
Where? Gadsden, Alabama a town about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. This is a town that was devastated by tornadoes last April.
When? The trip during the private school break will be March 19-24 and the public school break will be April 15-20.
What about logistics? We will sleep in a church in Gadsden. We will either bring air-mattresses and/or cots or have cots provided, these details will be known by the first of February. We will fly to Birmingham and rent vans to drive to Gadsden. The details of the flights are listed below. If you want to make your own flight arrangements please make sure you arrive in Birmingham before the rest of the group. Our meals will be provided by our host church.
What will we be doing? There will be several parts to our service. One primary part will be rebuilding of homes destroyed by the tornado. In addition we will have opportunities to interact with people in the community.
Cost? The cost for the trip is $525 not including airfare. The price of the airfare is listed in the box to the right. Scholarship money is available along with payment plans. Please contact Pastor Stuart if you need assistance.
How do I sign up? Click below for the registration form and online payment options.
For more information visit here!
This year the NPC Family Mission trip will head to Gadsden, AL where we will help with the rebuilding of this community following the destruction from the tornado last April.
The trip is open to all adults in the NPC family along with students currently in grades 6-12. Students grades 3-5 are welcome to come as long as at least one parent comes on the trip. The cost for the trip is $525, not including airfare. The dates for the trips are March 19-24 (private school break) and April 15-20 (public school break).
For More Information Click Here!
Registration:
Documents Needed:
The deadline to sign-up is June 27, 2011 .
Pre-trip Training Meeting:
We will have a mandatory pre-trip meeting on
Last year was our first summer to partner with Foundation for Peace in serving the people of the Dominican Republic. Last year we dug the foundation for a school. The local Dominicans have completed the walls and this summer we will be pouring the concrete roof. In addition to pouring the roof; we will serve in a medical clinic, worship with the Dominicans, spend an afternoon on the beach, and build relationships with both Dominicans and Americans. Please visit www.foundationforpeace.org for more information about our trip or please let Stuart know if you want to talk with someone who went last year; it is a wonderful trip. To sign-up you will need to fill out an application on line and pay the deposit of $500. The cost of the trip is $1,500 per person. This is a significant increase from last year due to the fact that last year the trip was significantly funded by the church as we were exploring a new ministry. There is scholarship money available for those who need assistance. We will also offer assistance in how to write support letters for those who need additional financial help. Your application is due by June 13, 2011 along with your non-refundable deposit. of $500.
In addition to your payment of $210.00 (checks payable to NPC), we must receive a completed NPC General Release Form which is also available on our website. The deadline to sign-up is June 27, 2011 .
July 6 at 7:00 pm in the Shac
Vacation With a Purpose (VWAP)- July 10-16, open to current 6-12 grade. For over 15 years students from Noroton have been serving the children and youth in Dunlow, West Virginia. We will drive down in the church vans Sunday, July 10, 2011 and Monday, July 11, 2011 morning to prepare to lead Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the children and youth in Dunlow. We will run VBS in the mornings Tuesday - Friday and our afternoons are spent with the kids at the local pool. This trip is a fantastic way to build relationships with students and peers in a very different part of America. Students are given a wide variety of responsibilities in leading VBS; there is something available for everyone. We sleep in cabins at a nearby state park. The evenings are spent at the state park, sharing meals, playing games, and cobbler at the camp fire. The cost for this trip is $210 which includes everything except meals on the road.
30 HOUR FAMINE _ Noroton Presbyterian May 21-22, 2011
Since 1971 Middle and High School students have been fasting and raising money to help feed hungry children around the world. This year, the Famine is back at NPC! You have the same incredible opportunity to raise money to feed hungry children, experience for 30 hours the hunger that over 1 billion people experience daily, and finally learn about what World Vision is doing with your help to stop this epidemic. Mark your calendars for May 21-22 for the 30 Hour Famine. The Famine begins at noon on Saturday and concludes with breaking our fast at 6:00 pm after Open Doors.
So what do we do for 30 hours? There is a lot we will do during the 30 hours. One thing for sure is we will drink a lot of juice/water! There will be plenty of water and juices available. We will also do some service. The first time of service will be our time at the World Vision Storehouse. The storehouse works with people in the Bronx to provide a variety of goods at low or no cost. They depend on volunteers like us to sort and organize the merchandise.
We will also be playing a game called Tribe. This game is a way for us to experience many of the challenges that people in Haiti endured after the 2010 earthquake. Everyone will be divided in a different tribe as we compete in some competition and help collect items for local charities.
Also, we will have several times of worship, sleep, play lots of games, watch some movies, and end the famine with a Pot Luck feast!
What if I cant stay for the whole 30 hours? If you have a conflict for a portion of the Famine let us know when you will be leaving and then returning. Also, if you have a challenge with Fasting during the same 30 hours you can adjust your time, but you are on your honor between you and your donors.
What do I get for the $30? This covers the cost for your juice, t-shirt, and other expenses for the famine.
How do I raise money? Be creative. You can visit www.stuartsmith.blog.com to read and share ideas about fund raising from your friends. You can also ask your neighbors, friends, or relatives to sponsor you for each hour you fast. World Vision offers several rewards for various personal fund raising goals. At Noroton your student ministries staff is putting their hair on the line. If our youth group raises and collects $15,000 Ben will shave a Mohawk, $27,500 Abby will dye her hair orange, and $40,000 Pastor Stuart will shave his head. All funds must be turned in by June 10.
If you have more questions check out www.30hourfamine.org .
Famine Schedule May 21-22
Saturday Noon Meet Check-in
12:30 Go to World Vision storehouse in the Bronx
4:00 Return from the Bronx
Tribe "Earthquake" kickoff Affluenza video
5:00 Tribe-"Scramble Part 1"
7:00 Tribe- "Contaminated "
9:00 Tribe -"Lago Lago"
10:00 Devotion
10:30 Movie/bedtime
Sunday
8:00 Wake-up
9:00 Worship, Confirmation, Sunday school
10:30 Tribe - "Phonic Frenzy"
Noon Tribe- "Scramble Part 2"
2:00 Market Mayhem
3:30 Confirmation/ Study Hall/ chill
5:00 Open Doors- Stuart Preaching Famine emphasis
6:00 Feast- Coordinated Pot Luck
Closing Prayer
ONLINE Registration:
Documents Needed -
Online NPC General Release Form
Payment of $30 prior to getting fundraising packet (check payable to NPC)
Applications will only be available online starting April 15, 2011 and students must complete their own. In addition to your payment of $30.00 (checks payable to NPC), we must receive a completed NPC General Release Form.
VBSvolunteerapplication2011.pdf
NPC_General_Release_2010.pdf
